COMPUTER-INTERNET
SECURITY
VIRUS
♦ A computer virus is a small program written to alter the way a computer operates, without the permission or knowledge of the user.
♦ A virus must meet two criteria:
♦ It must execute itself. It will often place its own code in the path of execution of another program.
♦ It must replicate itself. For example, it may replace
VIRUS - DAMAGE
♦ Some viruses are programmed to damage the
computer by damaging programs, deleting files, or
reformatting the hard disk. Others are not designed to do any damage, but simply to replicate themselves and make their presence known by presenting text, video, and audio messages. Even these benign
WHAT IS NOT A VIRUS
♦ It is easy to blame any computer problem on a virus. The
following are not likely to be caused by a virus or other malicious code:
♦ Hardware problems. There are no viruses that can physically
damage computer hardware, such as chips, boards, and monitors.
♦ You have two antivirus programs installed and one of them reports a virus. While this could be a virus, it can also be
WORMS
♦ Worms are programs that replicate themselves from system to system without the use of a host file. This is in contrast to viruses, which requires the
spreading of an infected host file.
♦ Although worms generally
exist inside of other files, often Word or Excel documents,
there is a difference between how worms and viruses use the host file. Usually the worm will release a document that already has the "worm" macro inside the document. The
TROJAN
♦
Trojan Horses are
impostor files
♦
Files that claim to be
something desirable
but, in fact, are
malicious. A very
important distinction
from true viruses is
that they do not
TROJAN - DAMAGE
♦
Trojans contain malicious code, that, when
triggered, cause loss, or even theft, of data. In
order for a Trojan Horse to spread, you must,
in effect, invite these programs onto your
SPYWARE
♦ Spyware is a generic term for a class of software
SPYWARE - PURPOSE
♦ The general purpose of spyware is to gather
information about your Internet surfing habits and deliver that information to its customers.
♦ It can also gather information on the use of your
SPYWARE – FORMS OF
♦ Spyware basically comes in, but is not confined to, three forms:
♦ As software bundled and installed with another
software application,
♦ As a stand-alone installation package,
SPYWARE - DAMAGE
♦ Spyware programs, while they may be objectionable,
SPYWARE - NOTES
♦ In many cases, when the spyware is installed with a
utility or game you downloaded, you may have to
uninstall the utility or game to uninstall the spyware. If you uninstall only the spyware, the utility or game
may become unusable.
♦ Spyware is often bundled with free downloadable
ADWARE
♦ Adware is a type of program that displays an
ADWARE - INSTALLATION
♦ In most cases, some user interaction is required to install adware. You must either double-click the
program to run it, or there is information on the Web site to inform you that it will install a program on your computer. (This information may not be obvious,
however.)
♦ Because adware programs are not generally
ADWARE - DAMAGE
♦
Intrusion on “your computer” by an unknown
third party,
♦
Annoying windows on desktop,
MESSENGER SERVICE
♦
Operates over NetBIOS Ports – 135,
136, & 137
MESSENGER SERVICE - USES
♦
Most often used to deliver unwanted SPAM
WHAT CAN I DO?
♦
Be aware of what is being installed on your
computer,
♦
Don’t automatically accept attachments in email,
♦
Disable “automatic download” in web browsers,
♦
Limit use of “JavaScript”, “ActiveX” &
“Windows Scripting Host” in your web browsers.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE
INFORMATION?
♦
Websites:
♦ http://grc.com/su-bondage.htm
WHERE CAN I GET MORE
INFORMATION?
♦
Newsgroups:
♦ news.grc.com
